Australia v England as it happened

Zero minutes: After belting out God Save the Queen in the pre-match anthems, England kicks of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup with Australia having the first opportunity with the ball.

4th minute: England successfully defends a set on their own line after Australia goes on the attack thanks to a high tackle penalty against England forward Ben Westwood. Fullback Sam Tomkins defuses a grubber kick in the England in-goal.

8th minute: Tomkins finds winger Ryan Hall with a looping pass to the left and Hall crashes through two defenders to score the opener out wide. Captain Kevin Sinfied's conversion is unsuccessful, England lead 4-0.

16th minute: England prop George Burgess is denied a try by the video referee, having lost possession before getting to the line.

27th minute: The Australians hit back. Greg Inglis brilliantly brings down a Cooper Cronk bomb before offloading for Johnathan Thurston to score. Thurston converts and England's lead is trimmed to 10-6.

39th minute: Sam Tomkins makes a half-break but is pulled up for a forward pass, just inside Australia's half.

40th minute: From the resulting scrum, Billy Slater brushes through an attempted tackle and puts the foot down, bursting clear to score in the corner. Thurston converts from the sideline to give the Australians an 18-10 half-time lead.

43rd minute: Slater shows great agility to prevent a 40/20 from England.

45th minute: England's Josh Charnley is not so lucky, ruled to have touched the sideline with his foot while gathering a would-be 40/20 kick from Cameron Smith. Australia are awarded a scrum within striking distance and they make it the most of it, spreading the ball to the right wing for Brett Morris to score amid boos from the crowd. Australia leads 22-10.

53rd minute: George Burgess crashes his way towards the tryline again and this time is awarded the four-pointer by the video referee. Sinfield converts, England trails 22-16.